Chicago, IL – From April 30th through May 2nd, fourteen men and women participated in the Salesian Lay Missioner Discernment Weekend. During the weekend, the candidates learned more about the work of the Salesians, the methodology of their ministries, as well as learning more about the different locations where the SLM program sends. The overall goal of the weekend is to help those candidates discern whether or not the SLM program aligns with what it is they are looking for in a mission program.
[cincopa 10595757]
The weekend’s backdrop was that of the Salesian parish of St. John Bosco on Chicago’s west side. Similarly to last year, the Salesian community, as well as the parishioners, welcomed the candidates in with open-arms and one of their own. This gave the visitors a great example of one of Don Bosco’s oratory criteria: a “Home that welcomes.”
If the candidates feel that the SLM program is a good “fit” and vice versa, the next step in the formation of the new SLMs would be to participate in the one-month orientation program held during the summer, after which the lay missioners will part for their respective mission sites.
[table id=3 /]